SMOKING VS VAPING: IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

Despite the apparent distinctions between smoking and vaping, most people still confuse these two. The primary difference between smoke and vapor & how they are created. A material must burn for the formation of smoke. On the other hand, when a material vapourises, it creates vapor; for example, heating a liquid produces steam, which is nothing but vapor. Many people feel that vaping is safer than smoking. However, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), this is not the case. There are hazards and adverse effects to both smoking and vaping.  According to scientists, vaping using electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or other means is not a safe alternative to smoking. Scientists are yet to understand the long-term health implications of e-cigarettes completely. However, there is mounting evidence to suggest vaping is also harmful. So, what is vaping? And what are the hazards of vaping and smoking?

This article compares the two and presents the long-term consequences and risks of both. 

Vaping:
Vaping means inhaling an aerosol containing chemicals like nicotine and flavoring using an e-cigarette, a vape hookah, or a vape pen. The devices use heat to turn the liquid into vapors. This method does not alter the liquid's chemical makeup or add any new substances.
People who use vape pens may be at risk due to the following factors:

• E-cigarettes may contain considerable amounts of nicotine. This chemical can delay brain development in fetuses, children, and teenagers.
• Vaping exposes you to harmful substances such as heavy metals, cancer-causing chemicals, diacetyl, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• There may be a risk of swallowing or inhaling the liquid. 

Smoking:
It is the process of burning tobacco or other nicotine-containing substances, which results in smoke being breathed and taken into blood circulation. Smoke is a mixture of liquid, solid, and gaseous aerosol particles produced when a product reaches a lower combustion temperature.

According to the CDC, there are several health hazards of smoking:

• Tobacco burning produces more hazardous compounds. Therefore, the resulting nicotine content is more damaging.
• There is a higher chance of acquiring health problems, including heart disease and stroke.
• Although the amount of nicotine ingested when smoking is largely constant, how a person smokes also has an impact. 

Smoking Vs Vaping

Scientists are still trying to figure out how dangerous e-cigarettes may be. So far, it appears that the impacts might be rather diverse.
The results of a 2018 study lab-based investigation, including those in animals, reveal that nitrosamines in e-cigarettes can harm DNA. A 2019 research found that vaping raises the risk of heart disease in mice. 

1. Health and Safety

Experts believe smoking is more dangerous as compared to vaping. However, no study supports the argument that vaping is good.
Smoking causes incomplete combustion of tobacco. Harmful by-products are released when chemicals burn incompletely due to a lack of oxygen. Thousands of chemicals are found in smoke, the majority of which are highly poisonous. Vaping does not entail combustion, unlike smoking. When an in-built coil heats e-juice, it causes the liquid to evaporate. As long as the e-juice doesn't include any dangerous components, it won't be poisonous when vapourised.
Despite the health risks, it makes it difficult for people to quit smoking. But with alternatives like Nicotex, they can take a step forward and start their journey to a smoking-free life. 

2. Nicotine Use

Another misconception between smoking and vaping is that smoking contains nicotine, but vaping does not. This is not true. Nicotine is present in vape hookahs, vape pens, and e-cigarettes. Nicotine is what keeps smokers and vapers addicted to the habit. 
The basic advantage of vaping over smoking is that the vaper can manage the amount of nicotine consumed. This is because the quantity of nicotine consumed mostly depends on the e-liquid used.  It is also worth mentioning that, while nicotine is highly addictive, it is not the chemical that does the most harm. Vape pens, vape cartridges, and vape hookahs are just a few items that make it easy for smokers to transition into quitting.

Conclusion:

Remember that smoking has many negative health impacts. As a result, a smoker is more likely to spend more money on healthcare than a vaper. The long-term health consequences of e-cigarettes are still unknown.  However, data shows that vaping is neither a safe nor a healthy alternative to smoking. While it may seem like an easier option for transitioning, quitting smoking or vaping altogether is the best thing you can do for your health. 

Quitting smoking can be difficult, which is why you can start with Nicotex Nicotine Transdermal patches to help you transition to a healthier life.

FAQs

1. Is vaping legal in India?

Because the government was worried about people’s health, India banned e-cigarettes. It was a wise decision given the prevalence and pattern of e-cigarette use among teenagers.

2. Is vaping safe?

No, vaping exposes you to heavy metals, cancer-causing substances, and other chemicals. You will see some health benefits only after you quit completely.

3. Is it possible for your lungs to recover from vaping?

Inhaling the hazardous chemicals in vaping devices can result in irreparable lung damage, illness, and in some circumstances, death. 

4. Is it true that vaping is more harmful than smoking?

Vaping is less dangerous and expensive than smoking, though it may give you the same sensation.